9.19.2013

A Walk in the Woods

Take a perfect sunny morning in the woods near Charlottesville, Virginia.

Add two well-behaved dogs, one older lady, and it's the perfect combination to walk down a country lane in a glorious setting.




Now, the thing is, I'm NOT a dog person....but these dogs were just so good; and it was so pleasant to have their companionship.

As the dogs wandered off into the woods a little, I recalled over and over the fantastic book by Wilson Rawls, "Where the Red Fern Grows."

I vividly remember reading the chapter where the beloved dogs die...my children and I were sitting on the couch (and it seems like some neighbor kids were there also), but I was so choked up over the tragedy unfolding on the pages, that I couldn't read any more.  I recall handing the book over to Jenni for her to read the heroic end of Old Dan and Little Ann. 

It was a powerful book and the memories of reading it with my children came flooding back as Jordan's two dogs and I walked down the country lane.  I envisioned the setting in Kentucky very similar to these woods in Virginia...I could just picture Billy and his coon hounds running gleefully through the woods...what a way to spend a childhood!

And, so it was on this gorgeous September morning in Virginia; my spirit soared at the azure sky, the tall green trees, the serenity, the beauty of God's magnificent earth, and the work done by Jordan and Janna to tame it all!


Bobby and Jordan cleared a path along this little stream that runs through the property.  A lot of work, for sure. 
In fact, the entire place takes A LOT of work, so it keeps Jordan and Janna very busy!

5 comments:

LGH said...

I enjoyed your words a lot, and I'm glad you have such sensitivity and appreciation of this beauty. I also thought about the power of well written books and how one thing reminds us of another. Also, all of your reading from month to month has been a good influence on your own ability to write well.

LGH said...

Hey, I didn't write the above... Allen did!

Amy said...

Lovely, lovely. I am so glad you're there, and I, too, love a good walk down a forest lane. So wonderful. Justin remembers you reading Where the Red Fern grows quite clearly. I am nervous to read it to our kids because I know it's so sad. But we will, someday.

Amy said...

Lovely, lovely. I am so glad you're there, and I, too, love a good walk down a forest lane. So wonderful. Justin remembers you reading Where the Red Fern grows quite clearly. I am nervous to read it to our kids because I know it's so sad. But we will, someday.

KRose said...

Mom this was very sweet- I remember you reading it too. And James ad the giant peach, and all the Great Brains, and The Best Christmas pageant, and many more. You're way cool LGH.

Grandkids...How I LOVE Them!

 Lola Halsey - one year old birthday!